CCOG Newsletter

When you pray, how easy is it for you? Do you kneel down with your list of requests, naming them, and checking them off one by one? Are you able to recite what is called The Lord's Prayer with accuracy and expound upon each line, making it personal to you? Is your prayer time thriving and focused? If you are able to say "yes" to each of these, that is great!

For the rest of us, does it more often that not happen that your mind wanders? Do you set aside time to pray and wind up thinking of the most random things? Then when you realize that you have, technically, stopped praying, you rush to repent and try to get refocused!

I recently heard a message in which the preacher said, "A wandering mind in prayer is a gift". How is that possible? She went on to explain that the things our minds wander to might be exactly what we need to pray about. Perhaps you begin to think about your list of tasks for the day - have you brought that list to the Lord and asked Him to show you which should be prioritized? Have you asked Him for help accomplishing each of those things? Maybe you begin to think about a fuss that you had with a loved one. Have you asked the Holy Spirit to reveal ways to reconcile with that person? Have you asked Him to teach you better communication skills?

God wants to be a constant part of our lives, not just a checkmark on the to-do list of our day. Invite Him into every aspect - work, friendships, finances, home life, etc. When we do this, we can accomplish the command to "pray without ceasing" rather than feeling guilty for our lack of focus.

My Beloved Child,

Do you know what I see when I look at you? I see My own workmanship—crafted with care, created in Christ Jesus for good things I’ve already prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10). I see someone fully alive, raised with My Son, seated with Him in heavenly places, already secure in Me (Ephesians 2:6).

You are not what the world says you are. You are not defined by past failures, fleeting feelings, or fading accomplishments. You are a new creation. The old has gone, and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are alive, because I made you alive together with Christ, and I have forgiven you all your sins (Colossians 2:13).

I am not counting your sins against you (2 Corinthians 5:19). I’ve removed them completely, and My Spirit in you is proof that you are clean and close—forever Mine. My power works in your weakness. My Spirit is your strength (2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 8:11).

You are joined to My Son. One spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17). You’ve been buried with Him, raised with Him, and now Christ is your very life (Colossians 3:4). You don’t need to hunger or thirst for more. I’ve given you everything you need for life and godliness (John 6:35; 2 Peter 1:3).

When the world feels heavy and you feel small, remember this: You are filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). I’ve placed you in My kingdom, given you a new identity, and written your name in the Book of Life—never to be erased (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 3:5).

So stand tall in who you are. You are fully alive in Me.

With joy and love,
Your Father